Sewing and Sewing Machines

Sewing

Sewing is the art of using needle and thread to fasten pieces of cloth or stitch patterns into fabrics. There are various different styles of stitching, including:

• • Running stitch – basic ‘over-under’ stitching, most commonly used style

    

  • Basting stitches

    

    https://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/embroidery-fundamentals-how-to-do-backstitch–craft-18328

  • Backstitching

    

  You can find more styles of stitching at https://takelessons.com/blog/learn-basic-sewing-stitches-z13 .

Sewing Machines

Sewing machines are electric sewing devices that use two spools of thread and a rapid needle to make precise stitches. While these are much faster, they can be difficult to learn how to use. Below is a set of general guidelines on how to get started, as well as a diagram of the internals of the sewing machine:

• Install the needle into the post; tighten with thumbscrew
• Use the thread guides to thread the needle from the spool and the bobbin
• Turn on machine, guide fabric under the needle with bulk of it to the left
• Use foot pedal or knee bar to control the speed.

You can find more detailed guidelines at https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Sewing-Machine .

Comparison

There are pros and cons to either using a sewing machine or sewing by hand. While hand sewing is sufficient for simple stitching, such as adding buttons, hemming, or finishing machine-sewn projects, a sewing machine would be more useful for intricate jobs that require higher numbers of stitches.

Locations on Campus

You can find sewing machines or hand-sewing equipment at each of the on-campus locations below:

 

• IDEATE lending desk

• Morewood Gardens Makerspace

• School of Drama Costume Shop

• CMU Art Store (needles, thread, etc.)